Mount Michael Abbey
Mount Michael Abbey is a Benedictine monastery located outside Elkhorn, Nebraska, within the Archdiocese of Omaha. Founded in 1952, it traces its roots to Engelberg Abbey in Switzerland and Conception Abbey in Missouri. The abbey's primary apostolate is education, operating an attached high school, and its community follows the Rule of Saint Benedict, balancing prayer with various forms of work.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1952 on land donated by Rex Olsen.
- ›Named Mount Michael due to its high elevation in Douglas County and its founding on the feast of St. Michael.
- ›Operates an attached high school, which was its primary apostolate.
- ›Became an independent abbey in 1964, with Raphael Walsh as its first abbot.
- ›The community currently consists of around 12 monks and a number of Oblates.
- ›Faces encroachment challenges from real estate development near its grounds.
- Attached High School
- St. Benedict's Guest House
- 400 Acres of Grounds Including Cropland, Pasture, and Woodlands
- Outdoor Shrines
Abbot Stephen Schappler, Archbishop Gerald T. Bergan, Fr. Dominic Lavin, Mr. Rex Olsen, Abbot Raphael Walsh Osb, Abbot Theodore Wolff Osb, Abbot Michael Liebl Osb
- Donation of Rex Olsen's Farm In 1952
- Groundbreaking For St. John Vianney Seminary In 1955
- Dedication of St. John Vianney Seminary Building and Chapel In 1956
- Elevation To Abbatial Status In 1964
- Featured In the Documentary 'We Go the Way Together' In 2001
- Formation of the Mount Michael Land Preservation Committee In 2024
About Mount Michael Abbey
Mount Michael Abbey is a Benedictine monastery situated on approximately 400 acres of land outside Elkhorn, Nebraska, within the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Omaha. The abbey traces its origins to Engelberg Abbey in Switzerland and Conception Abbey in Missouri, and it is part of the Swiss-American Congregation. Its establishment in 1952 was driven by the need to relocate the high school division of Conception Abbey and Seminary, which had expanded to a 12-year institution.
Origins and Founding
The search for suitable land led to the generous donation of Rex Olsen's farm, known as Journey's End, located at the highest elevation in Douglas County. This property was accepted by the monks on September 29, 1952, the feast of St. Michael the Archangel, which inspired the monastery's name. The initial monks resided in the Olsen family farmhouse while overseeing the conversion of the property into a seminary campus.
Development and Apostolates
The first monastic building was a simple chapel, followed by the St. John Vianney Seminary building, dedicated in 1956. The abbey's primary apostolate has always been education, operating an attached high school that continues to this day. The monks also engage in manual labor, including farming, making soap and pottery, and maintaining the grounds. Hospitality is another significant apostolate, with the preserved Rex Olsen farmhouse now serving as St. Benedict's Guest House, offering a tea and gift shop.
Transition to Abbey
Initially a priory of Conception Abbey, Mount Michael was offered the choice to become an independent priory or an independent abbey in 1963. The monks voted to pursue abbatial status, and on October 6, 1964, Mount Michael was officially raised to abbatial status, with Father Raphael Walsh appointed as its first abbot. The community adheres to the Rule of Saint Benedict, structuring their days around a balance of prayer, including the Divine Office, and work.
Modern Challenges
In recent years, Mount Michael Abbey has faced the challenge of encroachment from expanding real estate development in its vicinity. Concerns have been raised regarding potential housing developments near the abbey's borders, prompting the formation of the Mount Michael Land Preservation Committee in 2024 to protect and enhance the surrounding land.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Mount Michael Abbey founded?
Mount Michael Abbey was founded in 1952. The monks accepted the donated property on September 29, 1952, and the first monks were sent to Omaha on May 14, 1953.
What is the primary mission of Mount Michael Abbey?
The primary apostolate of Mount Michael Abbey is the education and formation of young men for the priesthood through its attached high school. The monks also engage in other apostolates such as hospitality and assisting in local dioceses.
What is the religious order of Mount Michael Abbey?
Mount Michael Abbey is a Benedictine monastery. The community closely follows the Rule of Saint Benedict.
Where is Mount Michael Abbey located?
Mount Michael Abbey is located outside Elkhorn, Nebraska, in the Archdiocese of Omaha. It sits on 400 acres of land northwest of the city.
Does Mount Michael Abbey have an active monastic community?
Yes, Mount Michael Abbey has an active monastic community. It currently has around 12 monks and also a large number of dedicated Oblates.
What are some notable features of Mount Michael Abbey?
Notable features include its 400-acre grounds with cropland, pasture, and woodlands, the attached high school, multiple guest houses, barns, and outdoor shrines. The St. Benedict's Guest House, formerly the Rex Olsen farm house, also serves as a hospitality apostolate.
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